I think people today are willing to do things they may not have been willing to do in the past.

Byrne agreed with his former colleague’s assessment in that many Americans think it is now all right to attack or kill law enforcement officers. (This is for two reasons. One, it has become commonplace, sadly. Two, people confuse these heinous acts with freedom of expression or freedom of assembly.)

Byrne described how things will be set up on Inauguration Day, Friday, January 20. The large area from the Capitol building to the Washington Monument to the White House to the Trump International Hotel (The Old Post Office) will be within a heavily guarded perimeter equipped with, among other things, metal detectors. He added that protesters will also need a permit, otherwise they will be arrested. (I hope so, because I have read otherwise.)

As for celebrities like Michael Moore, whose name was mentioned several times, Byrne warned that they could be held partially responsible if anything criminal or catastrophic happens this weekend. They have been encouraging disruption of inaugural events for the past few weeks, and the authorities could reasonably construe that they instigated any resulting chaos. It’s the same as yelling ‘Fire!’ in a crowded theatre. If there is a stampede on the way to the exit, someone dies or gets sent to hospital, that person is responsible.

Byrne confirmed that agitators are being paid. He said it reminded him of the meeting in Seattle in the 1990s where he was guarding Bill Clinton. Those from NGOs who protested were not ordinary people angry out of concern but paid to do a job.

A few days ago, James O’Keefe’s Project Veritas posted a second undercover video on a plot to severely disrupt transport in DC with the strong possibility of endangering life. They handed a copy of the film and additional information to the authorities. The FBI are now investigating:

Of course, reports went around the next day by defenders of this group under the narrative that it was all a ‘joke’. Byrne said:

Sounds like a cold, calculated attack.

‘We’re just kidding’? That’s what people typically say when caught.

David Knight asked about the butyric acid plot to disrupt the Deploraball, the subject of Project Veritas’s first inauguration investigation:

Byrne replied:

You’re just talking about straight out terrorism.

And later:

They might say their intent is harmless. It obviously is not.

He said he was at an event with Bill Clinton 22 years ago where similar threats were made. He reassured listeners that the Secret Service is experienced in anticipating events such as these. (In a previous interview, he said that agents are used to sharing information and anecdotes so that a body of knowledge is passed along through the ranks.)

As for the incoming first family, Byrne said they have been under heavy protection, particularly this week. Secret Service drills and rehearsals are also taking place offsite so that every agent knows what to do this weekend.

Knight asked Byrne if George Soros could be held responsible for any criminal disruption of inaugural events. Unfortunately for listeners, the show went to a commercial break. Byrne must have been relieved he didn’t have to answer.

About OoL

We are political and apolitical – some belong to parties, some do not. Some are self-professed libertarians, some are small “c” conservatives, some classical liberals – the names are varied. However we all have one thing in common, a love of personal liberty; that casualty of the encroaching state as it seeks to micromanage our lives. [Link in main menu]